The USA is the third happiest country in the world, and Americans are the third happiest with their sex lives, according to a global survey. More than one-fourth (27%) of Americans are very happy with their sex lives, but Venezuela (46%) and Brazil (32%) edge out the USA.

Denmark is No. 1 overall. The research finds that different factors drive happiness in the USA compared with other countries. Globally, the amount of money you have, the material goods you own and the job you hold are the factors most associated with overall quality of life. "You have to have at least sufficient money to feel good about other things," Miler speculates.

For Americans, the biggest happiness driver is not money but the level of self-confidence. "This trend has been emerging for the better part of the 1990's," Miller says. "We are seeing Americans become more self-reliant, more optimistic. Americans are increasingly feeling good about themselves."

Folks worldwide are content with their personal relationships. The Kuwaitis (70% are very happy), British ((61%), and Australians (60%) are the happiest with family and friends, followed by Argentines (57%), Americans (56%) and Egyptians (56%).

Factors judged to contribute to happiness include relationships, money, self-confidence, the role of religion, job, leisure time, and mastery of technology.

Most unhappy with their quality of live are people in the former Soviet Union, specifically Russia and Ukraine